PLEASE DRIP A FAUCET TO PREVENT FROZEN PIPES!Management has received numerous calls regarding frozen pipes in the community. If you are experiencing water problems, please contact Fairfax Water at 703-698-5800 (non-emergency) or 703-698-5613 (emergency) or click here for more information.

Why Pipes Burst

Ice forming in a pipe does not typically cause a break where the ice blockage occurs. It's not the radial expansion of ice against the wall of the pipe that causes the break. Rather, following a complete ice blockage in a pipe, continued freezing and expansion inside the pipe causes water pressure to increase downstream -- between the ice blockage and a closed faucet at the end. It's this increase in water pressure that leads to pipe failure. Take Action – Please!!

When it is very cold outside, let water drip from the faucets. Running water through the pipes, even a trickle; helps prevent pipes from freezing because the temperature of the water running through it is above freezing.

Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing.

Keep the thermostat set to the same temperature both during the day and at night. A temporarily higher heating bill is no comparison to the cost and inconvenience of repairing burst pipes.

If you will be away from your home, leave the heat on and set to a temperature no lower than 60 degrees.